Balkan to Adriatic Discovery – 9 Days Sofia to Split via Dubrovnik Adventure
- Tour ID: SC999
- Duration: 9 days/8 nights
- Transportation: Bus/Cruise
- Guide: Guided Tour
- From: Sofia
- To: Split
- Hotels: 4 nights accommodation onboard; 4 nights accommodation in 4 or 3-star hotels
- Meals / Breakfast
Enjoy the Adventure
This 9-day journey takes you from the heart of the Balkans to the stunning Adriatic coast. Starting in Sofia, Bulgaria’s lively capital, you’ll explore historic landmarks, vibrant cities like Skopje and Tirana, and the natural beauty of Kotor Bay and Dubrovnik.
Midway, check in to a comfortable boat and enjoy a relaxing cruise along Croatia’s breathtaking islands. With guided tours, free time, and optional activities, this trip seamlessly blends culture, history, and coastal charm.
Itenirary
Arrive to Sofia self-transfer to the hotel, concluding the day with a hotel check-in, free time and enjoy the Sofia night life, later in the evening, welcome meeting at your hotel with your Guide will provide you with information about the upcoming journey
After a hearty breakfast, delve into Sofia’s rich cultural heritage with a guided tour of its major landmarks. Visit the awe-inspiring Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, a monumental symbol of Bulgarian Orthodoxy, and the historic St. Sofia Basilica, one of the city’s oldest churches. Continue your exploration with a visit to the National Art Gallery, housed in the former royal palace, and the Presidential Palace, known for its impressive architecture and ceremonial significance. Following your Sofia tour, embark on a journey to Skopje, the bustling capital of North Macedonia. Upon arrival, enjoy a comprehensive city tour, discovering highlights such as the ancient Kale Fortress overlooking the city, the iconic Stone Bridge spanning the Vardar River, the lively Macedonia Square with its grand statue of Alexander the Great, and the historic Mustafa Pasha Mosque. Spend a relaxing evening at a comfortable Skopje hotel, reflecting on your day’s adventures.
Begin your day with a hearty breakfast at the hotel before setting out for Tirana. Along the way, consider a picturesque stop at Matka Canyon, a natural wonder renowned for its dramatic landscapes and serene lake (optional). Continue to Prizren, a charming city in Kosovo known for its well-preserved Ottoman architecture and vibrant cultural scene. Enjoy a guided city tour of Prizren, exploring notable sites such as Prizren Castle, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding area, the elegant Sinan Pasha Mosque, the tranquil White Drin River, and the bustling Sadrvan Square. Take some time to shop for local handicrafts and savor traditional cuisine before proceeding to Tirana, the lively capital of Albania. Check in to your hotel and enjoy an overnight stay in this dynamic city.
Start your day with breakfast in Tirana before traveling to Dubrovnik. On the way, stop in Kotor for a guided tour of its historical sites, including Kotor Castle, the Triphun Cathedral, and the Archive Museum. Kotor Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is known for its stunning natural and cultural beauty. After exploring Kotor, enjoy some free time before continuing to Dubrovnik.
Check into your hotel and relax for the night.
After breakfast, you have a free day at Dubrovnik.
Official check-in at the boat is from 5 pm onwards but you can arrive earlier, leave your bags onboard and choose from the many activities happening in Dubrovnik that day.
We recommend:
1. Taking a cable car ride up to Mount Srd for the most incredible view imaginable.
2. Dubrovnik is also the setting for the capital city of Westeros, Kings Landing, in Game of Thrones. If you are a fan, why not take a walking tour of the locations of the most famous scenes in the ultra-popular show and get an overview of the history of Dubrovnik at the same time?
3. Take a shuttle boat over to Lokrum Island from the Old City.
Dinner is served onboard at 6:30pm, when you will also be given your welcome speech and be introduced to everybody else on board. The evening is yours to enjoy in the Old City.
Overnight on the boat in Dubrovnik (Gruz Port).
Optional excursions:
Ziplining and/or Game of Thrones + Dubrovnik Walking Tour.
It’s time to say goodbye to Dubrovnik and hello to more incredible scenery as we head to Korcula Island, which is said to be the birthplace of Marco Polo. We are spoilt for choice with swimming spots en route before we dock near the Old City (with the same name as the island) to drop everyone off to explore the town. This pocket town is another gem with excellent restaurants and the famous Massimo cocktail bar in the “half-tower”. Overnight in either Korcula town, the ferry port or a nearby village such as Lumbarda.
Hvar Island is rated as one of the highlights of the trip and it’s not hard to see why. It boasts several gorgeous towns such as Jelsa (where we often dock), Stari Grad and Hvar Town itself.
We arrive into Jelsa, Stari Grad or Hvar Town (if we are lucky enough to get a docking space there) after lunch, and if you fancy visiting other towns, you can easily take a bus or taxi (not included) as the town are only around 15-25 mins from each other.
Hvar town’s nightlife is legendary and nothing beats catching the sunset at Hula Hula bar, then taking the organised shuttle boat over to Carpe Diem – the famous “club on an island”.
Stari Grad’s old town is a delight to explore, with several cosy wine-bars to be found on its winding streets. Jelsa has a wonderful harbour and promenade and features a famous park that often has live, outdoor music performances and festivals.
You are spoilt for choice!
Our 8th day of the adventure, starts with a swim stop and continues past Brac Island on the way to the biggest city on the Dalmatian coast: Split.
In the afternoon we dock into Split, with enough time to take in some of the inspiring sights of this city, including Diocletian’s Palace, the iconic statue of Gregory of Nin and Bacvice Beach.
Optional excursion:
Rapid Rafting
Included
Excluded
Gallery
Map
